"During the worst recession of my lifetime, when there is tremendous growth in homelessness, I believe a compassionate city can work out a way to accommodate people who do note have homes," Commissioner Fish told the Portland Tribune's Jim Redden in an article on the Tribune's website this morning.

The Commissioner is working to develop guidelines to allow a limited number of people to camp on private property such as churches, and is working with Commissioner Dan Saltzman to shape guidelines regarding camping on public property.

These guidelines will be evaluated as part of a pilot program before becoming permanent - "I believe in test-driving the guidelines before asking a court to impose them on the city," the Commissioner told Redden.